"The first truth is that the liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself. That, in its essence, is fascism — ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. ”
— Franklin D. Roosevelt

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Anyone else bothered by this?

The CA's report about the black pastorslying that the Hate Crimes bill wouldn't let them preach their hatred of gay folks caught the attention of Jon Carroll. He emailed me to remind me that some of these same folks, Leo LaSimba Gray in particular, are among those in the DRAFT AC movement, and are now endorsing Herman Morris.Here's the latest Morris press release, sent to me today:Leaders of 'Draft AC' movement endorse Herman Morris for mayor

MEMPHIS, TN - Leaders of a grassroots group which had tried to persuade Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton to run for mayor of Memphis today announced they are throwing their support behind Herman Morris, Jr.

Dr. Bill Adkins, pastor of Greater Imani Church and Christian Center, and Dr. LaSimba Gray, Jr., pastor of the New Sardis Baptist Church, stood with Morris at the candidate's campaign headquarters and declared their joint effort to win the mayor's race could produce a "dream team" of mayors for the people of Memphis.

"Just imagine what a dream team of Herman Morris and A C Wharton could do for our city," Gray said. "Such a possibility is why we are here today," Adkins added.

"I am delighted to welcome these respected community leaders onto the Morris for Mayor team today," Morris said. "We have built a great momentum in our campaign to take back City Hall for the people of this great city. I want them to know - I want everyone to know - that I won't let up until we have won this election. And then I'll work even harder to bring vigorous leadership to our community."

Others on the Draft A C group who added their endorsements included former Shelby County Mayor Bill Morris (who could not attend) and restaurateur Thomas Boggs. Gray and Adkins said they are inviting other community leaders to publicly announce their support of Morris. They described Morris as the best choice in the mayoral race for restoring Memphis's reputation as a progressive city which cares about all its citizens.

Adkins called on all those who had participated in the attempt to draft Wharton to consider supporting Morris. "He had the courage to take a drug test and release the results because that is the kind of leader he is," Adkins said. "The other candidates are hiding out on this issue. That speaks volumes."

Gray chimed in on the drug test, issuing a new challenge to incumbent W.W. Herenton and other candidates to "submit to a drug test and demonstrate to the people that you are fit to hold office."

"Our message today is simple," Morris said. "It's time for a change, and change is coming

Others on the Draft A C group who added their endorsements included former Shelby County Mayor Bill Morris (who could not attend) and restaurateur Thomas Boggs. Gray and Adkins said they are inviting other community leaders to publicly announce their support of Morris. They described Morris as the best choice in the mayoral race for restoring Memphis's reputation as a progressive city which cares about all its citizens.

Adkins called on all those who had participated in the attempt to draft Wharton to consider supporting Morris. "He had the courage to take a drug test and release the results because that is the kind of leader he is," Adkins said. "The other candidates are hiding out on this issue. That speaks volumes."

Gray chimed in on the drug test, issuing a new challenge to incumbent W.W. Herenton and other candidates to "submit to a drug test and demonstrate to the people that you are fit to hold office."

"Our message today is simple," Morris said. "It's time for a change, and change is coming- 30 -

Herman, I have a question: you say you will be a Mayor for all Memphians. By accepting the support of homophobes like Reverend Gray, does this mean that you agree with that homophobia? If so, how can you represent ALL Memphians?Inquiring minds want to know.

Proud association with a race-baiting Republican homophobe like Dr. LaSimba Gray tells me one of two things. Either Herman Morris is hopelessly clueless about politics, or he just doesn't give a damn about what people think.

He will never get my vote as long as he's got that parasite stuck to his leg.

It's starting to look like Herenton and Chumney are the only Democrats running this year.

Bill Clinton had his "Sister Souljah" moment and very few accused him of being a racist while recognizing that he was an opportunist. If I lived in Memphis, I would vote for Carol, but not from any inkling that--short of absolute proof--Herman Morris or Prince Mongo were anti-gay. The question, of course, might need to be asked, especially if there were additional indications that Herman was doing something other than "triangulating." At present, he sounds simply like a politician seeking enough votes to win an election.

I wonder if "Rev." gray and the rest of that homopbhic group knows that Herman Morris spoke at the Mid South gay pride rally in June in support of gay rights??? I don't think the Morris campaign knows or realizes that this is an anti-gay group that endorses him.l

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Ironically, this quotation from Edmund Burke headlines the Memphis City Churches’ website used to promote lies about the current federal legislation on hate crimes that has been approved by the US House and is currently pending in the Senate.

Memphis City Churches claims that the Hate Crimes bill (HR 1592) will restrict freedom of speech in the pulpit. “Christian” conservatives proof text what they want to hear from pending legislation much like they do from Holy Scripture. Here’s what Sect. 8 of HR 1592 actually says:

“Nothing in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses of, the First Amendment to the Constitution.”

In 2000, Judy Shepherd, the mother of Mathew Shepherd who was killed in a hate crime, came to Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis to promote passage of federal hate crimes legislation. Mayor Willie Herenton spoke bravely in support of Shepherd at this event. I applaud elected officials like Mayor Herenton and Congressman Steve Cohen for having the courage to do what is necessary to keep evil from triumphing in this world. There’s no question about who the good men are on this subject.

Jonathan ColeCo-ChairShelby County Committee of the Tennessee Equality Projectshelbycounty@tnequalityproject.com

LWC, I know that you agree that race-baiting is deplorable. The amount of it in Memphis on both sides is killing the city and the Dr. Grays of Memphis are a big part of the problem.

It does not help, however, to add other types of "baiting" to the mix, whether it be gender-baiting or "sexual choice"-baiting. I was disappointed with you on this one. Take a step back and consider how your post would have read if the subject was race. You wouldn't have written it because it would have been beneath you.

Supporters choose candidates, not the other way around. All supporters welcome I'm sure, and candidates, including your Ms. Chumney, are wooing ALL supporters. You have to know that she personally sought the support of these Draft AC leaders after AC made his decision not to run.

There is nothing to indicate that either Ms. Chumney or Mr. Morris are homophobic in the least degree. Their pasts, their other supporters and their campaign staffs provide evidence to the contrary.

Let's do Memphis a favor and eliminate all the "baiting" please. Maybe if we do, we can save this city from becoming a ghost town and actually move it forward.

Auto: A quick check of voting records shows Democratic primary voting across the board for all 3 major candidates. But we also know that Mayor Herenton has endorsed Republicans in the past, as has Mayor Wharton.